Swaraj directs Indian HC to give visa to Pakistani patient

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj directed the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to issue a visa to a Pakistani national for medical treatment in India.

Swaraj's direction to India's High Commissioner in Pakistan Gautam Bambawale came after a woman -- Hijaab Asif -- sought the external affairs minister's urgent intervention.

Touched by Swaraj's prompt response, Asif praised Swaraj and even said that Pakistan would have changed had she been the prime minister of her country.

Minutes after Swaraj's tweet to Bambawale, the Indian mission tweeted that it was in tough with the applicant.

"Ma'am, we are in touch with the applicant. Rest assured we will follow it up," the Indian High Commission said in a tweet.

Responding to Asif's plea, Swaraj also wondered whether Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Satraj Aziz had refused to issue a recommendation letter for issuance of a visa by India to the patent.

The External Affairs minister had a few weeks back said that Pakistani nationals seeking visas for medical treatment in India must accompany their visa applications with a recommendation letter by Aziz.

"Dear ma'am, spoke to DHC (Deputy High Commissioner) in Islamabad, told the patient's current condition and he said it's all up to you. If you allow," Asif had tweeted earlier.

The patient is suffering from serious liver ailment and needs urgent treatment in India, she said.

After Swaraj's direction to grant a visa to the patient, Asif was effusive in her praise of the external affairs minister.

"@SushmaSwaraj What do I call you? Superwoman? God? No words to describe your generosity! Love you ma'am. Cannot stop praising you in tears!!!," she said.

In another tweet, she said "my heart belongs and beats for you", adding that "Pakistan doesn't deserve her at all".

"Lots and Lots of Love and respect from here. Wish you were our prime minister. this country would have changed.